Mary Alexander: Hi! I am Mary Alexander from Home Instead Senior Care, and today I am going to talk about multi-generational living. If you are considering having your parents move in with you, you are not alone. The Associated Press reports that according to a U.

S. census figure and a study released March 18th of 2010, by the Pew Research Center, about one in every six American lives in a multi-generational household; that's up 30% since 2000.

The study found that the economy is a primary driver of the trend. But there are other factors as well. For example, aging Americans are opting for home healthcare over nursing homes. The reasons different generations decided to live together are as varied as the families themselves, but three factors often come into play. First is shared caregiving, such as for an elderly loved one. Second is for physical or emotional support. Some seniors may feel the need for the physical or emotional support of extended family after losing a spouse, dealing with health issues, or having problems maintaining their property. And the third driver is finances. The tough economy is affecting everyone, especially seniors living on fixed incomes. So moving in with family can sometimes save money on food, utilities, and other essentials. There are certainly pros and cons within a multi-generational household. The best thing adult children say about being a caregiver is that they believe that they are providing the best care possible. Others note that it is a rewarding experience, provides a sense of accomplishment, and by being connected, it allows them to grow closer. Given these possible pros and cons, in this video series, we will you give the information you need to determine if multi-generational living is the best option for your family. We will also discuss the emotional issues to address and how to enlist support from family. Lastly, we will give you ideas on how to prepare your home for your parents arrival. Home Instead Senior Care, the national leader in providing in-home senior care services, is bringing you this video series to help you help your senior loved ones. Helping seniors is something Home Instead has been doing passionately now for more than 15 years. I not only work for Home Instead but I am a certified Senior Advisor. More importantly, I am currently a long-distance caregiver for my dad, and I spent several months caring for my mom locally.

Now, let's talk about how to determine if multi-generational living is the best option for you and your parents.